Three Bad Foot Health Habits to Quit Today
It’s true that some illnesses and injuries of the feet and ankle are unavoidable. Accidents and diseases occur. However, there are steps that you can take right now to reduce your risk of foot and ankle injuries, fungal infections, and other foot health issues. Here are three tips from our expert podiatrists:
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms, hotel rooms, and other high-traffic public places. These locations are breeding grounds for the germs that cause plantar warts and other infections. Invest in some inexpensive shower sandals and a pair of slippers and keep them with you at the gym or on vacation. Use them to create a barrier between vulnerable foot skin and surfaces which may not have been recently disinfected.
No more daily wearing of high-heel shoes! Those stilettos may be attractive, but they alter the way you stand and walk, creating a high load on the ball of the foot and cramping the toes. Hammertoes and bunions can result from long-term use. Choose comfortable, sensible everyday shoes that offer a low, chunky heel and a wide, roomy toe box. If swollen feet are sometimes a problem, remember that laces will offer greater adjustability than straps do.
Stop smoking. Not only does smoking negatively affect heart and lung health, it has ramifications for your feet, too. Tobacco use decreases blood flow, leaving feet feeling chilled and making it hard for them to heal when small wounds occur.
Of course, one habit to start, is seeing your foot doctor for regular examinations. With years of specialized training and experience, a board-certified podiatrist is the best-qualified medical specialist to diagnose and treat any issues related to your feet, ankles, or lower legs.
Contact Podiatry Group of Annapolis and let us help with all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. James Mckee and Dr. Adam Weaver are experienced and dedicated podiatrists who provide high-quality individualized care. Call us today at 410-224-4448 or visit us online to make an appointment at our conveniently located Annapolis office.